Creative Associates Overview: 

Creative Associates International Inc.  is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Overview:

The five-year READ II project, funded by USAID, will boost the quality of literacy instruction and student support, reaching out to children at risk of failure and dropout caused by cognitive, emotional and physical effects of hunger, violence, and displacement. READ II seeks to better equip teachers with effective early grade reading instruction techniques and materials in seven mother-tongue languages and English, while simultaneously building a culture of reading in the school, home and community.

Position Summary:

Under the guidance of the Regional Director, the Education in Emergency (EiE) Technical Specialist will work in close collaboration with the READ II regional and main office team members, as well as partners/actors to provide technical expertise in assessing, designing, developing, implementing and monitoring rapid, proportionate and effective Emergency in Education responses to the conflict affected areas in Tirgay region. The position holder will play a key role to contribute for conflict affected schools and IDP communities to respond and recovery opportunities for primary school aged IDP and host community children impacted by conflict and other factors. S/he will need to ensure response to immediate child education issues with simultaneous consideration of longer-term needs and possible scenarios. The EiE Technical Specialist is expected to take a very active role in technical co-ordination, collaboration, communication and partnership support and advocacy with the regional education clusters and other stakeholders and technical agencies relevant to the sector.

Reporting & Supervision:

The EiE Technical Specialist will report to the Regional Director and closely coordinates with the Team Leader: At-Risk & Vulnerable St. & Crisis Modifier, in Addis Ababa office.

 Primary Responsibilities:

• To provide overall coordination of EiE response in the intervention areas and put in place innovative EiE approaches for conflict affected children in the most insecure areas.
• To work closely with regional, Zonal and Woreda education government authorities, local and international NGOs and agencies involved in the education sector to provide technical expertise in assessments, planning, strategy and program development, implementation and monitoring of the emergency education situation and response in the region.
• Facilitate EiE project implementation in collaboration with Regional, Zonal and woreda education offices and provide reports on weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis to the Regional Director.
• Establish positive working relationships with the regional education bureau and partners to facilitate smooth implementation of planned education in emergencies activities.
• Assist in the creation of school preparedness and IDP plans in areas affected by conflict and disasters, in collaboration with local education authorities, and other partners/actors involved in the Education Cluster.

Related to Program Design:

• Facilitate and collect baseline information and data from communities, schools and woreda and submit to the Regional Director and main office for further analysis.
• Facilitate signing of project agreements, joint planning and MOU with concerned regional government sector offices, development partners and submit to the Regional Director and Main Office for documentation.

Related to Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Facilitate quality monitoring and joint supervision with concerned government sectors, development partners, MEL team and take timely action in consultation with education offices and Creative.
• In close coordination with the MEL team, develop project monitoring tools and utilize them efficiently.
• Work with MEL team to actively monitor the data related to education program implementation to ensure the availability of the indicators of activities and results and facilitate the donor reports.

Related to Reporting and Documentation:

• Ensure high quality reports are submitted in a timely manner and according to the donor and Creative requirements.
• Ensure to develop weekly project progress report that should be submitted to the USIAD and for internal consumption.
• Monitor the impact of the EiE project and ensure the proper documentation of best practices for future emergency works.

Related to capacity building support:

• Provide adequate technical support to EiE and partners in the area of planning and programming projects focusing on education in emergency.
• Coordinate and participate on EiE related TOT trainings and workshops and cascade the training to concerned government experts, school structures and local communities.
• Other tasks as assigned.

• Master’s Degree in education, social sciences, international development, humanitarian response or related pedagogically oriented field.
• At least 6+ years of general experience and 3+ years of humanitarian aid experience applied in emergency/recovery response operations preferably in the area of education in emergency/recovery, refugee experience is more preferable.
• Expertise in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), Psychosocial Support (PSS), trauma healing, peace education, mental health, and referral systems.
• Technical experience and knowledge in assessment, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration with partners.
• Good understanding and experience in program management (assessment, designing, planning, implementation, report writing, monitoring and evaluation etc.
• Demonstrated experience in working on emergencies and be familiar with the minimum standards for education – preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Good knowledge/familiarity with USAID’s grants and contract regulations.
• Proven experience of high-quality report writing and documentation.
• Politically and culturally sensitive, awareness of gender issues, with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
• Fluency in English and local language (Tigrigna), verbal and written.
• Good knowledge of the context of Tirgay and/or the region is an asset.